Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Location: Cambridge, Ontario

Salary Range: $80,000-$90,000

Position Type: Contract, Full-time, Hybrid, Replacement

Company Overview:

Made Better isn’t just a claim; it’s our Dare promise

Dare has been a proudly Canadian, family-owned company since 1889. Throughout our long history, we’ve created some of the most loved brands in the country, including Bear Paws cookies, REALFRUIT gummies, Breton crackers, Melba Toast and many more. For over 130 years, we have been located in the Kitchener area, with the family’s original store opening in 1892. We are now headquartered in Cambridge, Ontario, and we have expanded our roots far beyond. With nine manufacturing plants and over 1400 employees, Dare is part of the fabric of Canada.

At Dare, our dedicated team works passionately to uphold our tradition of excellence, innovation and quality in every aspect of our operations. Our state-of-the-art facilities utilize advanced technology to ensure consistency and quality while meeting the evolving needs of our consumers and customers.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Senior Buyer for a 12–14-month contract in Cambridge, Ontario, to lead strategic sourcing for Indirect Procurement, delivering cost savings and value through spend analysis, RFP execution, and contract negotiation. Reporting to the Director of Procurement, this role manages supplier relationships, monitors market trends, and partners cross-functionally to drive continuous improvement, while maintaining SAP data and supporting system updates. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of purchasing experience—preferably in CPG—strong analytical and negotiation skills, and proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic sourcing of goods and services for the Indirect Procurement category at competitive costs to support the business
• Detailed spend analysis to support strategic sourcing
• Develop and negotiate contracts, focusing on risk management, best-in-class terms and conditions and overall value
• Demonstrate a systematic and innovative approach to problem solving
• Communicate effectively with suppliers
• Lead the supplier performance and relationship management process, driving overall value from contracts
• Monitor market conditions using online tools, networking and published information
• Develop and execute RFP’s
• Participate and manage cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement
• Develop new sources for services and goods for Indirect Procurement categories at competitive cost for the business
• Maintain SAP master data, including material masters, vendor masters, material groups, and purchasing groups
• Support SAP testing, upgrades and education.
• Develop annual budgets
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum three years of relevant purchasing experience, ideally in a consumer-packaged goods company (with responsibilities for Indirect procurement)
• Professional verbal and written communication skills
• Relevant post-secondary degree or diploma (or equivalent experience) with experience in supply chain (i.e., manufacturing environment, strategic sourcing, negotiating and contracts).
• Proficient with an ERP system (ideally SAP)
• Working towards a SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation (PMAC – Purchasing Management Association of Canada)
• Knowledge of Supply Chain procedures
• Ability to influence decision-makers; excellent relationship-management skills.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Intermediate/Advanced Excel skills)
• In-depth analytical skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Effective communicator
• Works independently
• Initiative and teamwork
• High ethical standards and strong work ethic
• Working knowledge of French is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant purchasing experience, ideally in a consumer-packaged goods company (with responsibilities in indirect procurement).

Additional Information:

Total Rewards Package: Our Total Rewards package reflects the investment we make in our employees to help them and their families achieve their well-being goals. Total Rewards at Dare Foods includes a competitive base salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits and retirement programs. In addition, we offer paid time off, career development opportunities, as well as reward and recognition programs.

At Dare Foods Limited, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, accessible, equal-opportunity environment that welcomes all individuals from all backgrounds because we know it will make our company a better place to work. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (visible or invisible, temporary or permanent) can be made at any stage of the application and employment process.

We want to thank all candidates in advance for their interest; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot confirm the receipt of individual applications or resumes.

*Salary will be determined based on the candidate's skills, experience, and internal equity